The sweet smell of lavender starts filling the air in late spring and early summer as plants bloom in shades of white, pink and purple. Folks may know that Door County has long been home to lavender farms, but recently a few farms have taken advantage of similar climate and soil composition to bring farms of the fragrant flower to the Baraboo hills. Rowley Creek Lavender Farm is a gorgeous family-owned and operated spot where you can wander among the plants, pick up a number of lavender products and even spend time at the creek that gives the farm its name.
The folks at Rowley Creek Farm made a major life change a few years ago when they relocated from St. Louis. It wasn't long after that they bought the 80-acre farm that a local pharmacist owned for many years. Since then, more than 5,000 lavender plants have been planted and plans to grow and expand the farm are always in the works. The future will hopefully include a place for farmstays and an events barn, as well as a large commercial kitchen for creating so many of the lavender products. The addition of goats, whose milk can be used in a number of self-care products, has already begun.
When they bought the farm, they didn't know what it would become, but lavender seemed a natural fit. There are now three lavender farms in Sauk County, meaning a trip out here can last all day as you explore each unique spot. At Rowley Creek, lavender worked because wife Kehaulani is a certified organic skin care designer and aromatherapist.
Here you'll find a number of products made using the lavender grown on site. Lavender oil has been found to have antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It's used as a stress reducer in aromatherapy practice and can help helpful in soothing burns, scrapes and bug bites. In addition, its light, pleasing aroma means you can find it in many perfumes, fragrances, soaps and more. You can also cook and bake with it. Here on the farm, you can find many of these products made by Kehaulani and her children.
The lavender farm itself is a gorgeous sprawl of nine different varieties of this hearty plant. The bushes sprout with shades of white, pink and purple and their fragrance fills the air. It's a welcoming and laid-back place to stroll and spend a few hours.
Of course, it is a working farm, so care must be taken. Stick to the lavender areas and stay on designated paths to ensure the protection of the plants. There are also a number of working bees on site, so those with allergies should take note. The bees are natural pollinators and important to the success of the farm. They tend to mind their own business unless provoked.
Lavender season kicked off this weekend, and now the farm is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They're closed Sunday and Monday and those hours will last through the final weekend in July. In August, they'll be open on weekends
Natives of Hawaii and New Zealand, this couple and their three children are dedicated to being connected to the land and honoring the gifts that grow from the ground. "We care deeply about the land and take our stewardship of the plants and animals in our care very seriously and request that you do likewise. "Ua Mau Ke Ea O ka Aina i ka Pono"—The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. Please leave the farm as beautiful as you found it and pick up after yourselves."
Lavender does tend to flourish in spots a bit warmer and more temperate than Wisconsin, but taking good care of hardy English varieties is usually the key to Wisconsin lavender success. The folks at Rowley Creek Farm are well versed in how to get a plant to take root and flourish and their blog is a great way to get tips. These folks love their farm and their flowers and love to share. You won't be able to resist their exuberance.
Address: E13901 County Road W, Baraboo, WI, 53913.
